Patient safety remains number one priority during junior doctors’ strikes

Anyone not facing an emergency, and who cannot wait to speak to a GP, can find the best options for their needs via NHS 111 Online at 111.nhs.uk in the first instance, unless the issue concerns a child under 5, when they should call 111

The NHS in Greater Manchester says patient safety is its number one priority during the current junior doctors’ strikes (June 14-17).

Inevitably there will be some service disruption, so to ensure those with urgent needs are prioritised, NHS Greater Manchester Integrated Care (NHS GM) is asking the public to only call 999 or go to an emergency department if it is a medical or mental health emergency, when someone is seriously ill or injured and their life is at risk.

Anyone not facing an emergency, and who cannot wait to speak to a GP, can find the best options for their needs via NHS 111 Online at 111.nhs.uk in the first instance, unless the issue concerns a child under 5, when they should call 111.

Lots of illnesses can also be managed safely at home, or with a trip to a local pharmacist.

NHS GM is also reminding people to enjoy the sun safely and to take care as temperatures rise.

Those wishing to make the most of the sun should remember to stay hydrated, drink sensibly if drinking alcohol, use sun cream and stay cool in the shade.

If you do experience minor sunburn, heat rash or hay fever, local pharmacists can give advice on the best treatment options.

The NHS will continue to do everything it can to go ahead with planned procedures – especially for patients in greatest clinical need – and will contact people if an appointment needs to be rescheduled.

If patients have not been contacted, please attend appointments as planned.

Mr Dilraj Sandher, Executive Medical Director for Tameside and Glossop Integrated Care NHS FT on behalf of NHS acute medical directors in GM, said: “We are working hard to minimise disruption to services and it is important, irrespective of any industrial action, that members of the public do not hesitate to come forward to access care if they need it.

“We’re urging people to make NHS 111 Online their first port of call if they need urgent health advice on days of strike action.

"Staff working at GP surgeries, community pharmacies, and dentistry are not on strike and the public should continue to access these services as needed on strike days and attend all appointments unless contacted.”

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something going on in and around Oldham? Let us know by emailing news@oldham-chronicle.co.uk , calling our Oldham-based newsroom on 0161 633 2121 , tweeting us @oldhamchronicle or messaging us through our Facebook page. All contact will be treated in confidence.